Columbia University vs Princeton University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Columbia University and Princeton University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Columbia University vs Princeton University at a glance
Columbia University admits 4% of applicants and Princeton University 4.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $15,370 at Columbia University and $7,815 at Princeton University. Six-year graduation rates are 95.2% and 97.4%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Columbia University admits 4% of applicants and Princeton University 4.6%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $15,370 a year at Columbia University and $7,815 at Princeton University; Princeton University costs $7,555 less a year.
- 95.2% of students graduate within six years at Columbia University, against 97.4% at Princeton University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $109,430 for Columbia University and $133,523 for Princeton University; Princeton University is $24,093 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,500 at Columbia University and $12,400 at Princeton University.
- Columbia University enrolls 8,973 students (large city) and Princeton University 5,709 (small city).
Side by side
Columbia University and Princeton University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Columbia University | Princeton University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 4% | 4.6% |
| Applicants | 61,110 | 37,601 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $15,370 | $7,815 |
| Tuition, in state | $74,180 | $65,510 |
| Tuition, out of state | $74,180 | $65,510 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,198 | $87,888 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $2,275 | Not reported |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $4,020 | $795 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $4,878 | $1,346 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $8,881 | $4,761 |
| Over $110,000 | $40,931 | $38,927 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 95.2% | 97.4% |
| First-year retention | 98% | 98.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $109,430 | $133,523 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $12,400 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $141 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 8,973 | 5,709 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Small |
| Location | New York, NY | Princeton, NJ |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Columbia University reports 69 bachelor's programs and Princeton University 36; 33 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Columbia University vs Princeton University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Columbia University or Princeton University?
Columbia University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Columbia University admits 4% of applicants and Princeton University admits 4.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Columbia University 1510–1580; Princeton University 1510–1580.
Which is cheaper, Columbia University or Princeton University?
Princeton University has the lower average net price after grants: $15,370 a year at Columbia University against $7,815 at Princeton University. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Columbia University or Princeton University graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates earn more at the median: $109,430 ten years after entry for Columbia University and $133,523 for Princeton University. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,500 and $12,400.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Columbia University or Princeton University?
Princeton University does: 95.2% of Columbia University students graduate within six years, against 97.4% at Princeton University.
How big are Columbia University and Princeton University?
Columbia University has 8,973 students in New York, NY and Princeton University has 5,709 students in Princeton, NJ.